Grand Canyon - Monument Valley - Bryce Canyon

Question

I’ll be staying in Palm Desert, and after that I have three nights free. I’d like to visit the Grand Canyon, so I’m planning to drive the 7 hours to the South Rim and spend the first night nearby. I would imagine I need most of the following day to take in the main viewpoints and really appreciate the canyon.

After that, I’m considering where to go next. I know that at least one of either Monument Valley or Bryce Canyon is a realistic option within my timeframe. Is it possible to see both, or would it make more sense to focus on just one?

After the third night, I can fly home from either Phoenix or Las Vegas. Any itinerary suggestions to help me make the most of the trip would be very welcome.

Answer

With three open nights after Palm Desert and a strong desire to visit the Grand Canyon, you have enough time for a very satisfying short Southwest loop. You can technically visit both Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon, but doing so will create long driving days and reduce your time actually enjoying the parks. For most travelers, choosing one of the two makes the trip smoother and more meaningful. That said, there are workable routes for either option—one destination or both—depending on your tolerance for driving.

Below is a breakdown of what’s realistic, plus suggested itineraries.

What’s realistic with your timeframe?

Grand Canyon + Monument Valley is the easiest combination. Shorter distances and a natural eastward flow from the South Rim.
Grand Canyon + Bryce Canyon is also possible, but involves a longer detour north.
Grand Canyon + Monument Valley + Bryce Canyon is doable but results in 5–7 hours of driving almost every day. You will see a lot but have limited time on foot.

Driving times to keep in mind:

Palm Desert → Grand Canyon South Rim: ~7 hours
Grand Canyon South Rim → Monument Valley: 3–3.5 hours
Grand Canyon South Rim → Bryce Canyon: 5–5.5 hours
Monument Valley → Bryce Canyon: 5 hours
Bryce Canyon → Las Vegas: 4 hours
Monument Valley → Flagstaff/Phoenix: 5–6 hours

Option A — Grand Canyon + Monument Valley (recommended for the least rushed trip)

This itinerary gives you plenty of time to actually enjoy the landscapes rather than just drive through them. It works well with a flight out of Phoenix or Las Vegas.

Night 1 — Grand Canyon South Rim: Arrive from Palm Desert, check in at Tusayan or inside the park. Enjoy sunset at Mather Point or Yavapai Point.
Day 2 — Grand Canyon viewpoints: Walk part of the Rim Trail (Hermits Rest shuttle area is excellent), see the Village area, and in the afternoon drive out the Desert View Drive for less crowded overlooks.
Night 2 — Monument Valley: Drive 3–3.5 hours to Monument Valley. Sunset here is legendary.
Day 3 — Monument Valley tour & drive to airport city: Do a Navajo-guided Valley tour for the full experience, then drive to either Flagstaff/Phoenix (toward PHX flights) or Page/Kanab/St. George (toward LAS flights).
Night 3 — Flagstaff or Page: Relax before flying home.

Why choose this? Monument Valley is iconic, uniquely different from the Grand Canyon, and fits neatly into a short trip without feeling rushed.

Option B — Grand Canyon + Bryce Canyon (great if you want cooler weather, pine forests, and hoodoos)

This is a bit more driving but still works well with three nights.

Night 1 — Grand Canyon South Rim: Same as above.
Day 2 — Explore South Rim: Rim Trail, overlooks, shuttle route.
Night 2 — Drive to Bryce Canyon (5–5.5 hours): Stay in Bryce City or nearby Tropic.
Day 3 — Bryce Canyon viewpoints and short hikes: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, plus the Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden hike (a must-do, ~3 miles).
Night 3 — Head toward Las Vegas (or stay in Bryce area if flight is next morning).

Why choose this? Bryce Canyon is compact, spectacular, and easy to enjoy in one full day. The contrast with the Grand Canyon makes a beautiful two-park combination.

Option C — Grand Canyon + Monument Valley + Bryce Canyon (only if you’re okay with a fast-paced trip)

You can make this work, but it pushes the limits of comfort with three nights.

Night 1 — Grand Canyon
Day 2 — Explore Grand Canyon → drive to Monument Valley (3.5 hours)
Night 2 — Monument Valley
Day 3 — Morning in MV → drive to Bryce Canyon (5 hours)
Night 3 — Bryce Canyon
Day 4 — Early morning in Bryce → drive to LAS for flight (4 hours)

Why choose this? You see the maximum number of major landscapes in the shortest time, but your actual time in each place is limited.

Which airport works better?

For Monument Valley only: Phoenix or Las Vegas both work. Phoenix is a bit smoother if you end in Flagstaff/Page.
For Bryce Canyon: Las Vegas is the clear winner with a shorter return drive.

Final recommendation

If you want a relaxed and immersive trip, choose Grand Canyon + Monument Valley. If you prefer cooler temperatures, pine forests, and a fairy-tale landscape of hoodoos, choose Grand Canyon + Bryce Canyon. If you want to maximize variety and don’t mind several long drives, then do all three—just be ready for early mornings and constant movement.

Any of these options will give you an unforgettable three-night Southwest adventure, and your flight choices (PHX or LAS) can easily be matched to whichever itinerary you choose.